辛 · xīn

bitter; hardship

Radical pronunciation

Radical summary

#160

Kangxi

7

Strokes

#119

Frequency

Visual hint

A sharp painful object or execution stake: vertical and diagonal strokes like an ancient instrument of pain.

Suggests pungency, hardship, suffering, or the Xin year in the Heavenly Stems.

varies

Trace the radical, simplified, traditional, and variant forms when available.

辛

2 examples

辛

xīn

pungent; hardship; Xin (Heavenly Stem)

HSK 5

辣

là

spicy; hot (taste)

HSK 4

Bitter/hard radical. Found in 辛 (bitter/hardship), 辣 (spicy/hot), 辩 (to debate/argue).

The hot sting of chili on the tongue: burning, biting — a symbol of hardship and trials.

立: 辛 has a sharp pointed stroke added on top; 立 is a simple standing figure without the sharp top.

What radical is this: 辛?